8 When He had taken the book , the four living creatures and the twenty-four e elders fell down before the Lamb , each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense , which are the prayers of the saints . 9 And they sang a new song , saying , " Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals ; for You were slain , and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation . 10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God ; and they will reign upon the earth ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 5:8-10
Commentary on Revelation 5:8-14
(Read Revelation 5:8-14)
It is matter of joy to all the world, to see that God deals with men in grace and mercy through the Redeemer. He governs the world, not merely as a Creator, but as our Saviour. The harps were instruments of praise; the vials were full of odours, or incense, which signify the prayers of the saints: prayer and praise should always go together. Christ has redeemed his people from the bondage of sin, guilt, and Satan. He has not only purchased liberty for them, but the highest honour and preferment; he made them kings and priests; kings, to rule over their own spirits, and to overcome the world, and the evil one; and he makes them priests; giving them access to himself, and liberty to offer up spiritual sacrifices. What words can more fully declare that Christ is, and ought to be worshipped, equally with the Father, by all creatures, to all eternity! Happy those who shall adore and praise in heaven, and who shall for ever bless the Lamb, who delivered and set them apart for himself by his blood. How worthy art thou, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, of our highest praises! All creatures should proclaim thy greatness, and adore thy majesty.